The caretaker government is taking measures in response to rising fuel prices, focusing on supporting vulnerable groups in society and businesses. Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov announced that the measures are aimed at solving three main problems:
- Direct aid for citizens: Direct aid will be provided to households and citizens who meet certain income criteria. The criteria will depend on income and fluctuations in oil prices.
- Support for businesses: The introduction of the carbon dioxide component to toll fees is postponed from April 1 for several months.
- Control over gasoline station margins: The National Revenue Agency (NRA) is starting to monitor the margins at gasoline stations to ensure that the price increase is not speculative.
Finance Minister Georgi Klisurski explained that the NRA has information on the income of individuals and will analyze all types of income to determine the group of people who will receive aid. The measures are initially expected to cost around 30 million euros per month.
The Minister of Economy and Industry, Irina Shtonova, stressed that predictability is important for businesses and that talks are being held with businesses on compensation mechanisms. She added that the postponement of the introduction of the carbon component in toll fees is being discussed.
Prime Minister Gyurov stressed that the government will take additional measures if necessary. He called on political forces to focus on the legislative measures that need to be adopted.